Blanc de Blancs is French for “white from whites.” It means a white wine made only from white grapes, and you’ll see it most often on sparkling wine. In Champagne, a Blanc de Blancs is usually made entirely from Chardonnay. The result tends to be crisp, elegant, and bright, with citrus, green apple, and a fine, lively sparkle.
Here’s what the term tells you, and how it compares with the other sparkling wines on the shelf.
What does Blanc de Blancs mean?
The phrase is about which grapes went into the wine:
- Blanc means “white.”
- Blanc de Blancs means “white (wine) from white (grapes).”
Most traditional sparkling wine, including most Champagne, is a blend of white and red grapes. A Blanc de Blancs leaves the red grapes out entirely. That single choice changes the style of the wine.
You’ll also see it spelled Blanc de Blanc, without the final “s,” especially outside France. It means the same thing.
What grapes are in Blanc de Blancs?
- In Champagne: almost always 100% Chardonnay. The rules allow a few rare white grapes too, but they’re seldom used.
- Elsewhere: winemakers may use Chardonnay or other white grapes, depending on the region.
Blanc de Blancs vs. Blanc de Noirs
Its opposite is Blanc de Noirs, “white from blacks.” That’s a white sparkling wine made from red grapes, usually Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in Champagne.
How do red grapes make a white wine? The juice inside most red grapes is clear. The color lives in the skins, so if winemakers press the grapes gently and separate the juice quickly, it stays pale.
| Compared | Blanc de Blancs | Blanc de Noirs |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | White grapes only (usually Chardonnay) | Red grapes (usually Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) |
| Body | Lighter, more delicate | Fuller, rounder |
| Flavors | Lemon, green apple, pear, chalk | Red berries, cherry, richer fruit |
| Feels | Crisp, elegant, racy | Broader, more generous |
What does Blanc de Blancs taste like?
Because it’s built from white grapes, Blanc de Blancs is typically the most delicate and refreshing style of sparkling wine:
- Fruit: lemon, lime, green apple, and pear
- Minerality: a clean, chalky or stony edge
- Acidity: bright and lively
- With age: many develop notes of toast, brioche, and almond, especially sparkling wines aged on their spent yeast in the bottle
It’s usually made in a dry style. On a sparkling wine label, Brut means dry.
How to serve Blanc de Blancs
- Temperature: well chilled, about 45 to 50°F. Too cold and you’ll mute the flavors.
- Glass: a tulip-shaped glass or a regular white wine glass lets the aromas come through better than a narrow flute.
- Opening: hold the cork and turn the bottle, not the cork, and ease it out with a quiet sigh rather than a pop.
For more on serving temperatures, see our guide to serving wine at the right temperature.
What food goes with Blanc de Blancs?
Its crisp acidity and bubbles make it one of the most food-friendly wines around:
- Oysters, shrimp, crab, and sushi
- Anything fried or salty: fried chicken, tempura, potato chips, popcorn
- Goat cheese and soft cheeses like brie
- Eggs, smoked salmon, and brunch
- Light salads and seafood pasta
It’s also simply great on its own, as an aperitif or a toast.
Taste our Blanc de Blanc
Our Blanc de Blanc is pale gold with fine bubbles, green apple, and pear, and it’s dry and elegant. It’s a lovely way to start a tasting, or a celebration. Come taste it at our tasting room at Vail Headquarters.